One of our elders, Darrin Miller, brought the word this week from Romans 6 about the God who overcame the entanglements of sin on our behalf. In Christ, we are no longer controlled by the effects of sin, rather we are free to live by the Spirit. We can now choose to be dead to sin and alive to Christ.
Darrin shared a part of his testimony about how difficult experiences in childhood led to struggles with emptiness, pain, addiction, self-hatred and hopelessness. While some things in his life were injustices outside of his control, Darrin also made choices that hurt himself and others. He didn’t know how his life could be any different. It was easy for Darrin to see that he had real sin in his life and needed a Savior. He repented and give his life to the Lord! Only then could he truly experience what Romans 6 describes as “dead to sin, alive to Christ”.
Romans 6:14-23
“14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
15What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,c you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• When sin is in control, we are slaves to it. When you are dead to sin and alive in Christ, the effects of sin are no longer our destiny, and they no longer control us.
John Piper gives a helpful definition of grace and sin:
“God’s grace is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely give. This favor overflows in powerful, practical helpfulness from God in your daily life where you most need it.”
“Sin is any feeling or thought or speech or action that comes from a heart that does not treasure God over all other things.”
Darrin’s definitions:
• Grace – Undeserved favor from God. Understanding that I was extended undeserved favor from God, and I should extend undeserved favor to others.
• Sin is the heart condition that says “I do not need God; I know what’s best”. Self-determination is above all else.
Life and Death
• Life and Death are presented to us as opposing ideas for here and for eternity – an either/or not a both/and; a definitive and stark contrast; two different pathways (this life) and outcomes (eternity, forever).
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, BUT the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We can experience the effects of death even as we physically live. Here are a few ways:
• Selfishness – me first
• Win at all cost
• Anger/Rage
• Strife
• Control
• Broken relationships
• Hopelessness
• Fear and anxiety
• Lack of being fulfilled/unsatisfied
• Futility
• Emptiness
• Escapism
o Addiction
o Materialism
• Greed – more more more
In Christ, we can experience true life! Here are a few ways:
• Life and life abundantly- John 10:10 “10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
• Peace that surpasses understanding – Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• Refreshed through repentance – Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
• Hope that does not disappoint, no shame- Rom. 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
• Humility, others are better than self – Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
• Purpose and Joy – loving and serving God by serving others brings great Joy.
John 16:33
“I have said things to you, that you in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Darrin shared a personal story of a friend, LaMaria, who grew up on the streets and had a very hard life. The ministry he worked with at the time loved her well and shared Jesus with her, baptizing and walking with her. Over the years, LaMaria continued to struggle and eventually passed away. Those she leaves behind can have great comfort knowing she had relationship with the Lord.
• Though life may have been difficult and may still be difficult for you, Jesus has overcome and made a way for you to live with Him and through Him. This gives us joy and hope for this life and the next.
Discussion Questions:
- Darrin shared that sin is a wrong heart posture, not just wrong outward actions. How does this challenge, change, or confirm with your understanding sin?
- Darrin shared that 1 John 1:9 has played a power role in helping him walk in freedom. Do you have Scripture that God has used your daily life? Share with your group to encourage one another.
- As believers, it’s easy to let arrogance sneak in when interacting with unbelievers (a “you just need what I have” approach). How can you walk in greater levels of humility while sharing the love of God in your sphere of influence?
**Some of the discussion questions derived from Bible Hub (https://biblehub.com/questions/romans/4.htm)**
Application Questions:
- Darrin shared how God’s grace and love is so much great and more powerful that condemnation. Ask the Lord this week if there are ways condemnation is holding you back? Is there something else you are agreeing with that God wants to free you from?
- Darrin also shared how anxiety can sometimes be an agreement with lies and sin. Spend some time asking the Lord to show you if this may the case for you. Maybe you need to repent? If you need extra prayer or support, reach out to a friend from your Life Group!
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